https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/arts_and_culture/ Videos and stories on museum exhibits, theatrical performances, and a variety of cultural activities as well as the latest research on arts and culture. en-us Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:02:05 EDT Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:02:05 EDT 60 https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/arts_and_culture/ For more science news, visit ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234220.htm A remarkable Roman mosaic found in Rutland turns out to tell a forgotten version of the Trojan War. Rather than Homer’s famous epic, it reflects a lost Greek tragedy by Aeschylus, featuring vivid scenes of Achilles and Hector. Its artistic patterns echo designs from across the ancient Mediterranean, some dating back 800 years before the mosaic was made. The discovery suggests Roman Britain was deeply plugged into the wider classical world. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 03:40:10 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260212234220.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043218.htm A major international review has upended long-held ideas about how top performers are made. By analyzing nearly 35,000 elite achievers across science, music, chess, and sports, researchers found that early stars rarely become adult superstars. Most world-class performers developed slowly and explored multiple fields before specializing. The message is clear: talent grows through variety, not narrow focus. Sun, 21 Dec 2025 10:05:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043218.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251216081947.htm A museum visit sparked a revelation when a Roman glass cup was turned around and its overlooked markings came into focus. These symbols, once dismissed as decoration, appear to be workshop identifiers used by teams of skilled artisans. The findings challenge centuries of assumptions about how Roman glass was made. They also restore identity and agency to the anonymous makers behind these stunning objects. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:25:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251216081947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251216081937.htm Over 8,000 years ago, early farming communities in northern Mesopotamia were already thinking mathematically—long before numbers were written down. By closely studying Halafian pottery, researchers uncovered floral and plant designs arranged with precise symmetry and numerical patterns, revealing a surprisingly advanced sense of geometry. Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:26:36 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251216081937.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052531.htm Researchers uncovered rare azurite traces on a Final Paleolithic artifact, overturning assumptions that early Europeans used only red and black pigments. The find suggests ancient people possessed deeper knowledge of minerals and colors than believed. It also hints at vanished forms of decoration or artistic practices. The discovery opens new avenues for exploring identity and symbolism in Ice Age cultures. Tue, 09 Dec 2025 03:30:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251208052531.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501164122.htm A next-generation technology developed in 2023, conversational swarm intelligence (CSI), combines the principles of ASI with the power of large language models. Thu, 01 May 2025 16:41:22 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250501164122.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135603.htm The simple act of looking at a piece of visual art can boost your wellbeing, a new research study has found, and this benefit can be gained in a hospital setting as well as an art gallery. Wed, 16 Apr 2025 13:56:03 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/04/250416135603.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250328112542.htm Does our ability to enjoy music have a biological basis? A genetic twin study shows that music enjoyment is partly heritable. Scientists uncovered genetic factors that influence the degree of music enjoyment, which were partly distinct from genes influencing general enjoyment of rewarding experiences or musical ability. Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:25:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250328112542.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141719.htm Researchers explored how the characteristics of communication networks in groups (i.e., density and centralization) affected the development of shared social identity and, as a result, group performance. The study's findings can help managers and other business leaders develop strategies to enhance the performance of their teams. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 14:17:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250325141719.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250212134435.htm It's been a long-held belief that absolute pitch -- the ability to identify musical notes without reference -- is a rare gift reserved for a select few with special genetic gifts or those who began musical training in early childhood. However, research challenges this, demonstrating that adults can acquire this skill through rigorous training. Wed, 12 Feb 2025 13:44:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250212134435.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250108144318.htm Until now, contraception has been the method of choice for zoos to avoid surplus animals. Researchers are now calling for a paradigm shift: zoos could preserve their breeding populations, raise awareness of conservation challenges and improve animal welfare and their carbon footprint by allowing animals to reproduce naturally and culling surplus animals. Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:43:18 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/01/250108144318.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241218132158.htm A fragment of 'lost' music found in the pages of Scotland's first full-length printed book is providing clues to what music sounded like five centuries ago. Scholars have been investigating the origins of the musical score -- which contains only 55 notes -- to cast new light on music from pre-Reformation Scotland in the early sixteenth-century. Researchers say the tantalizing discovery is a rare example of music from Scottish religious institutions 500 years ago, and is the only piece which survives from the northeast of Scotland from this period. Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:21:58 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241218132158.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241114125612.htm Researchers have found teaching artistic observation to neurology residents contributed to the development of well-rounded physicians with the capacity to be both skilled clinicians and compassionate healers. Thu, 14 Nov 2024 12:56:12 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241114125612.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241107193108.htm Encouraging quietness during zoo trips can help visitors better appreciate their inhabitants and lead to more fulfilling, respectful and informative experiences, a new paper argues. Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:31:08 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241107193108.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106142725.htm New research reveals that the music and soundscapes used in toy commercials are reinforcing rigid gender norms, shaping the way children perceive masculinity and femininity. The study uncovers how gender stereotypes are not only conveyed through visuals and language but are also deeply embedded in the sound and music used in advertisements targeted at children. Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:27:25 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241106142725.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241105174748.htm Physicists have investigated to which extent a piece of music can evoke expectations about its progression. They were able to determine differences in how far compositions of different composers can be anticipated. In total, the scientists quantitatively analyzed more than 550 pieces from classical and jazz music. Tue, 05 Nov 2024 17:47:48 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241105174748.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241029203005.htm Military musicians returning from the Napoleonic wars established Britain's first brass bands earlier than previously thought, new research reveals. The study undermines the idea that brass bands were a civilian and exclusively northern creation. Tue, 29 Oct 2024 20:30:05 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241029203005.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241010124852.htm Researchers developed a rating system to evaluate the plausibility of climate model simulations in the IPCC's latest report, and show that models that lead to potentially catastrophic warming are to be taken seriously. Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:48:52 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241010124852.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241004121719.htm Magic tricks make the impossible seem possible. Magicians have long captivated audiences with visual tricks, such as pulling a bunny from a hat or sawing someone in half, but tricks that rely on sound are scarce. A new article explores why creating a magical experience using only sound may be challenging and underscores the importance of making magic accessible to people with blindness. Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:17:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/10/241004121719.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240806131240.htm A new study aimed to address the questions of whether art exhibitions can make us more empathic or even change our attitudes and behaviors? The researchers were able to show that, indeed, looking through the exhibition reduced xenophobia and increased acceptance of immigration. Even more, by employing a new cellphone-based experience sampling method, they could track how long these changes last. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 13:12:40 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/08/240806131240.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240624125612.htm Do you have trouble recognizing faces, or do you never forget a face? The better you are at facial recognition, the more supportive relationships you are likely to have, regardless of your personality type. Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:56:12 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/06/240624125612.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240523112500.htm One-sided relationships with YouTubers are more emotionally fulfilling than talking to casual friends, a new study suggests. Thu, 23 May 2024 11:25:00 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240523112500.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240418111919.htm A geo-environmental scientist from Japan has composed a string quartet using sonified climate data. The 6-minute-long composition -- entitled 'String Quartet No. 1 'Polar Energy Budget'-- is based on over 30 years of satellite-collected climate data from the Arctic and Antarctic and aims to garner attention on how climate is driven by the input and output of energy at the poles. Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:19:19 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240418111919.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240411130225.htm Are we missing the forest for the trees? More than timber grows in forests -- including products worth many tens of billions of dollars. Because these goods go unrecorded in official trade statistics, their economic value escapes our attention. As a result, clear opportunities to combat poverty are being missed, according to an economist. Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:02:25 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/04/240411130225.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240130133606.htm A new study has shown that music evokes similar emotions and bodily sensations around the world. Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:36:06 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240130133606.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240123122134.htm New research shows that people can be spurred to look beyond close relationships in favor of philanthropy by having them reflect on their legacy. The researchers called this phenomenon the 'Andrew Carnegie Effect'. Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:21:34 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240123122134.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240113143655.htm A recent study explored a new way to ease the transition with an art therapy intervention to address the health needs of overweight, postmenopausal women. Sat, 13 Jan 2024 14:36:55 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/01/240113143655.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231204135235.htm The sound a disc makes while soaring through the air is full of information about how fast the disc is flying and how quickly it spins. This inspired Kyle S. Dalton of Penn State University to combine disc golf and acoustics into an interactive acoustic signal processing lesson. He set three microphones in a line and connected them to equipment that converts each microphone's signal to a data point. Then he threw a disc with a small whistle mounted on top and recorded the flying disc's acoustical signal. The resulting dataset can be used to learn basic processing tools and practice data visualization. Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:52:35 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/12/231204135235.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231129174202.htm A new study provides compelling evidence that music preferences can serve as a window into an individual's moral values. It has uncovered an important link between music and morality, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the psychological dimensions of our musical experiences. Wed, 29 Nov 2023 17:42:02 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231129174202.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231121175421.htm From social media to the workplace, non-stereotypical apologies can help repair trust, according to new study. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:54:21 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231121175421.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231116140831.htm A team of researchers looked back at a model that predicted nuclear power would expand dramatically in order to assess the efficacy of energy policies implemented today. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 14:08:31 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231116140831.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231023185453.htm A new study sheds light on the vital role of communication and expertise within organizations, revealing their impact on group performance. Researchers examined how individuals become part of communication networks and the effect of selection processes on group performance. The study found that people who communicated more during training were more likely to be chosen as a central member of the network. In addition, teams that chose their central member performed as well as and often better than teams whose central member was randomly assigned. Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:54:53 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/10/231023185453.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230918105058.htm Diversity fuels prosperity in cities, but where do people from diverse backgrounds meet? A study now indicates that locations offering a range of rare shops and services may hold the key. Mon, 18 Sep 2023 10:50:58 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230918105058.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230907203749.htm Music can take on many forms in cultures across the globe, but researchers have found in a new study that some themes are universally recognizable by people everywhere with one notable exception -- love songs. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 20:37:49 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/09/230907203749.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230707153828.htm A new study shows that intentionally integrating art with data visualizations can help non-expert audiences more meaningfully engage with climate change while also bridging political divides in ways that data alone cannot. Fri, 07 Jul 2023 15:38:28 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230707153828.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230629125708.htm Studying how genes influence human behavior is an enormously complicated undertaking. Socio-genomicists are harnessing massive banks of genetic data and complex data science analysis techniques to better understand the link. Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:57:08 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230629125708.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230323154217.htm A group of natural history museums has mapped the total collections from 73 of the world's largest natural history museums in 28 countries. This is the first step of an ambitious effort to inventory global holdings that can help scientists and decision makers find solutions to urgent, wide-ranging issues such as climate change, food insecurity, human health, pandemic preparedness, and wildlife conservation. Thu, 23 Mar 2023 15:42:17 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230323154217.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230323103336.htm New research has found that constraints in the way our brains work can shape the way people interact when creating music, influencing its evolution. Thu, 23 Mar 2023 10:33:36 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230323103336.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230316114007.htm The western chimpanzees of Guinea are threatened by mining activities. Using a novel genetic approach, researchers have collected information on population size and community structure of the endangered species. These data provide an important baseline to assess the impact of mining. Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:40:07 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230316114007.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230313215101.htm Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly partnering with real patients, or patient influencers, who share their experiences and advice on social media. A new study offers a first glimpse at why and how they do it. Mon, 13 Mar 2023 21:51:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/03/230313215101.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221130114626.htm Large terrestrial mammals are vulnerable to the acoustic sounds of drones, technological systems which are increasingly used to study the wildlife in open habitats such as the savanna and marshes, according to a new study. Wed, 30 Nov 2022 11:46:26 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221130114626.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221102123611.htm Engaging infants with a song provides a ready-made means for supporting social development and interaction, according to a new study. Wed, 02 Nov 2022 12:36:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221102123611.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221027132714.htm Actors may suppress their core sense of self when acting, as they immerse themselves in a new role, according to a new study. Thu, 27 Oct 2022 13:27:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221027132714.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221027093315.htm Music and arts classes are often first on the chopping block when schools face tight budgets and pressure to achieve high scores on standardized tests. But it's precisely those classes that can increase student interest in school and even benefit their math achievement, according to a new study. Thu, 27 Oct 2022 09:33:15 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221027093315.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221025112521.htm A new study played song and movie clips both recent and from their adolescence for subjects and asked if they had memories associated with them. Results showed people had more memories associated with older material and also appreciated media that had associated memories more. A look at the psychological processes associated with 'media-induced reminiscence' can tell us more about why people enjoy lighthearted entertainment like pop music or superhero movies, the authors argue. Tue, 25 Oct 2022 11:25:21 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221025112521.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220923090901.htm Climate change and habitat destruction may have already caused the loss of more than one-tenth of the world's terrestrial genetic diversity, according to new research. This means that it may already be too late to meet the United Nations' proposed target, announced last year, of protecting 90 percent of genetic diversity for every species by 2030, and that we have to act fast to prevent further losses. Fri, 23 Sep 2022 09:09:01 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220923090901.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220715142135.htm Just like coughing, sneezing, talking and singing, playing wind instruments ­-- particularly those in the brass section -- can spread respiratory particles that may carry the COVID-19 virus, according to a new study. Fri, 15 Jul 2022 14:21:35 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220715142135.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220714165811.htm If simply breathing can spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus to others nearby, what about blowing into a tuba? Researchers used fluid mechanics to study the movement of aerosols generated by professional musicians. Thu, 14 Jul 2022 16:58:11 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220714165811.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220708095642.htm Viewing art while visiting galleries and museums can have powerful effects on an individual's mood, stress and well-being. But does the same hold true for viewing art in digital space? A new study investigated whether engaging with art online also has this effect. Their conclusion: a short three-minute visit to an online art or cultural exhibition also shows significant positive effects on subjective well-being. Fri, 08 Jul 2022 09:56:42 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/07/220708095642.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220629121206.htm Companies selling ethical and sustainable products should use up-tempo major mode music in their marketing to help well-meaning consumers convert their good intentions into actual purchases, new research shows. Wed, 29 Jun 2022 12:12:06 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220629121206.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220519115338.htm In February 2020, a group of musicians from around the world living in China recorded their cover of a song by Michael Jackson on video to express their support to the families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and to those working in the frontline. The video went viral. Now, a new study analyzes why the video and song had such a profound effect. Thu, 19 May 2022 11:53:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220519115338.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220506183947.htm A new article reviews the best available evidence to debunk the 'social displacement hypothesis' that holds that use of mobile and social media is the cause of decreased face-to-face (FtF) interaction. Fri, 06 May 2022 18:39:47 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220506183947.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220421100138.htm The animal collections housed at zoos and natural history museums -- living specimens in the first case, preserved in the other -- constitute an exhaustive trove of information about Earth's biodiversity. A new paper lays out a pathway to increasing collaboration between these groups that would enhance our understanding of the animal kingdom. Thu, 21 Apr 2022 10:01:38 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220421100138.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220405171802.htm Knowledge creation -- the generation of new ideas and patents -- is an important driver of economic growth. Understanding how knowledge moves across industry sectors and regions can inform research and development (R&D) efforts, promote university-industry partnerships for innovation, and impact private businesses' location decisions. A new study provides a thorough look at the flow of knowledge in five industrial sectors across the United States. Tue, 05 Apr 2022 17:18:02 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220405171802.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220405092741.htm Researchers have demonstrated a more effective way to support learning and increase engagement at science-focused museum exhibits. They used artificial intelligence to create a new genre of interactive, hands-on exhibits that includes an intelligent, virtual assistant to interact with visitors. When the researchers compared their intelligent exhibit to a traditional one, they found that the intelligent exhibit increased learning and the time spent at the exhibit. Tue, 05 Apr 2022 09:27:41 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/04/220405092741.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220324104448.htm Scientists are using cutting-edge artificial intelligence to help extract complex information from large collections of museum specimens. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 10:44:48 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220324104448.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220323101314.htm Being conceived via assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as IVF, may provide some advantages in quality of life in adulthood, according to the results of a new study. Wed, 23 Mar 2022 10:13:14 EDT https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220323101314.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220222125106.htm Students who attended three different field trips in fourth or fifth grade scored higher on end-of-grade exams, received higher course grades, were absent less often and had fewer behavioral infractions. These benefits were strongest when students entered middle school. Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:51:06 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220222125106.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220209093441.htm Research involving more than 350,000 participants from over 50 countries and 6 continents has found that links between musical preferences and personality are universal. The findings suggest that music could play a greater role in overcoming social division, as well as offering currently untapped therapeutic benefits. Wed, 09 Feb 2022 09:34:41 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220209093441.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211111171115.htm A new study measured respiratory particles produced from people singing or playing instruments. Is singing worse than talking when it comes to how many particles are being emitted? Yes, according to the study. And the louder one talks or sings, the worse the emissions. A person's age and whether they are male or female also affects their respiratory emissions, with males and adults emitting more airborne particles, on average, than females and minors. Thu, 11 Nov 2021 17:11:15 EST https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211111171115.htm